VSU’s Dr. Travis York Wins International Dissertation Award

VALDOSTA — Dr. Travis T. York is the winner of the 2013
International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement
Dissertation Award.

“It is an incredible honor,” shared York, an assistant
professor of higher education leadership in Valdosta State University’s
Department of Curriculum, Leadership, and Technology. “When I first found out
that my advisor was even nominating me, it was a huge honor. I think that, for
most doctoral students, your dissertation is often your first solo project of
this size and nature, and it can be very intimidating.

“I think … that dissertating students are our own harshest
critics, and we go through time periods where we question our abilities,” he
said. “So to have such a respected association of scholars, many of whose work
has been so influential to my formation as a researcher and scholar, recognize
my work as being good … I can’t express how incredible it is.”

The IARSLCE Dissertation Award annually recognizes a
dissertation that advances research on service-learning and/or community
engagement through rigorous and innovative inquiry. York’s dissertation,
“Exploring Service-Learning Outcomes and Experiences for Low-Income,
First-Generation College Students: A Mixed Methods Approach,” explores how
service-learning curriculum may be related to increased college success for
students from limited financial and cultural capital backgrounds. His research
led to several discoveries, one of which indicates that low-income,
first-generation students who participate in service-learning courses are more
likely to earn better grades and have a higher grade point average.

“I want so badly to help figure out ways that we can help
underrepresented students not only gain access to higher education but to
succeed in college,” he said, adding that the IARSLCE recognition makes him
want to continue doing this type of work.

York joined VSU’s faculty in August, at the start of the
fall semester. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in student ministries, with a minor
in humanities, and a master of arts in higher education, both from Geneva
College in Beaver Falls, Pa., a Graduate Certificate in institutional research
from Pennsylvania State University in State Park, Pa., as well as a Doctor of
Philosophy in higher education from Pennsylvania State University in University
Park, Pa., which he completed in May. He has worked as a research assistant,
assessment analyst, teaching assistant, special projects manager, residence
life coordinator, and residence hall director, all in higher education. He is a
published researcher, with several articles in progress or under review, an
award-winning presenter, and a member of the American Education Research
Association, Association of Institutional Research, Association for the Study
of Higher Education, College Student Educators International, and International
Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement.